'Muriel's Wedding' star Hunter 'gravely ill'

The 71-year-old award-winning Australian actor, who is best known for playing Toni Collette's overbearing father in Muriel's Wedding, has been admitted to a Melbourne hospice as he continues his battle against cancer.

Mark Morrissey told the Today show this morning: "Sadly, he has cancer and it's inoperable. He was admitted to a hospice a couple of days ago."

Hunter is also known for his roles in Newsfront, Strictly Ballroom, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Gallipoli.